SBMA: Tax ruling doesn’t cover Philip Morris project

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authory (SBMA) said a $20-million tobacco leaf warehouse project of Philip Morris International in the Subic Bay Freeport, northwest of Manila, would not be covered by a Supreme Court decision allowing collection of tobacco and alcohol taxes in the free port area.

The tax will not apply to the Philip Morris facility because the warehouse will be used only to store tobacco leaf for use in the company’s cigarette factory in Batangas province or for export to Philip Morris plants abroad, the SBMA said in a statement.

Under Republic Act No. 9334, which increased excise tax rates on alcohol and tobacco products, importation of these products -- even if destined for duty-free shops -- is subject to all applicable taxes, duties and charges.

The SBMA said the law also provides that tobacco products may be exempt from prepayment of excise tax “if the same are to be exported, or used in the manufacture of other tobacco products on which the excise tax will eventually be paid.”

The SBMA expressed concern for about 30 SMBA-registered companies engaged in importation, warehousing and retailing of tobacco and alcohol products, saying these would be directly affected by imposition of the excise tax.

The SBMA described the Supreme Court ruling -- which voided a local trial court’s suspension of the excise tax’s collection in Subic -- as a “big blow” to the free port regime in Subic and to government efforts to promote Subic as an investment center and a premier logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza had said the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992 gave SMBA-registered establishments tax exemption on the goods brought into the free port.

“If we were to slap excise taxes on the merchandise imported by Subic-registered companies, it would be like changing the rules in the middle of the game,” Arreza said. “If we would reverse our policy of giving tax-free benefits to investors in Philippine free ports, then we would risk losing entire industries in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.” Ronnel W. Domingo; with INQUIRER.net

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Lighthouse to be opened to public

Newly refurbished Olongapo Lighthouse in Kalaklan will be opened to the public for the first time since the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority had it refurbished.

The two-day event will be from 12 noon of October 31 up to 12 midnight of November 1, in time for the All Saints Day celebration. Those who will visit the grave of their loveones at Olongapo Public Cemetery in Kalaklan will have another attraction prepared by the City Government of Olongapo and the Olongapo Business Club.

A twenty-peso (PhP20) Environmental Protection Fee will be collected at entrance of the walkway leading to the lighthouse to fund the projects to maintain and further improve this tourist attraction.

The view from the lighthouse is breathtaking, a rare opportunity for Olongapo residents and visitors alike.

Zambales, ’Gapo polls peaceful – cops

By: Johnny R. Reblando - Journal

IBA, Zambales – The Zambales and the Olongapo City police offices confirmed yesterday that the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataang elections were generally peaceful.

Gov. Amor D. Deloso said that except for an incident where Kagawad Gimo Sison of Tabalong, Sta. Cruz, was allegedly manhandled by an unidentified Army soldier during the campaign period, no one was reported killed.

The various voting places in Olongapo City and Zambales opened at 7 a.m. The usual confusion in locating voter’s names and candidates’ supporters distributing campaign materials at the school gates were the common problems that cropped up.

Concerned residents complained that assistors or writers for illiterate Aeta voters in Iba and Botolan towns were not properly screened by the Commission on Elections since many of them were found to be bets’ supporters.

Information gathered showed there are 3,000 illiterate voters in the area.

RP, US sign accord to boost Subic, Maryland ecozone trade

By Ronnel Domingo - Inquirer

OFFICIALS from the Philippine embassy in the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding with a US local government aimed at expanding merchandise traffic and investment flows between Subic and a Maryland economic zone.

Armand C. Arreza, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority administrator, said in a statement that the MOU signed last Oct. 22 was meant to enhance bonds of cooperation between Subic and Prince George's County, Maryland's foreign trade zone.

"This opens up a huge window of opportunity for Subic, and we would like to explore all the possibilities that this new partnership offers," Arreza said.

The official added that the agreement was a significant inroad for the Subic freeport as the SBMA widened its cooperation links in global trade and sought more foreign direct investment.

He said the signatories of the MOU included Philippine Ambassador Willy C. Gaa, Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson and David M. Valderrama, president of the International Council of Asian-American Business Executives.

"This is aimed at facilitating the sharing of experiences and best practices between the two trade zones, improve the quality of operations and logistical efficiency of companies located in both zones, and link the Port of Subic with Maryland's Port of Baltimore," Arreza said.

He added that the exchange of trade information and best practices would be invaluable to Subic because Maryland hosts four trade zones and the Baltimore port, a major center of maritime commerce in the United States.

"Subic has been a military port for over a century and it is only now that its potentials for trade are being realized," Arreza said. "As a commercial port, Subic could learn a lot from Baltimore, which has over 300 years of experience in cargo-handling."

In an effort to develop Subic into a regional logistics and service hub, SBMA has ramped up the freeport's cargo-handling capacity to 600,000 twenty-foot equivalent units and has been wooing investments in terminal operation, drydocking and ship repair, shipbuilding and warehousing.

For its part, the Port of Baltimore--with six public terminals and 30 private terminals stretched over a 45-mile shoreline--is considered the top-ranking port on the US East Coast in terms of roll-on/roll-off cargo operations

Friday, October 26, 2007

PAGASA receives P3 billion worth of grants-in-aid

It can predict rainfall intensity in specific areas. Doppler radars are to be installed in Mindanao, Subic, Zambales . . .

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has received around P3 billion worth of foreign grants for the rehabilitation of its equipment in the provinces in the past two years, officials said Saturday.

Nilo said the financial assistance came from the governments of Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia and the United States. He said the projects are currently on-going and will be completed by next year. The official said these projects are all endorsed by its mother agency, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Additionally, Nilo said aside from foreign grants the weather bureau has also received around P500 million worth of grants from the national government.

He said this include the P200 million earmarked for two Doppler radars to be installed in Mindanao.

Nilo said the agency likewise received P150 to P200 million from the DOST grants-in-aid since last year. He said PAGASA is already finalizing the acquisition of some of these Doppler radars. PAGASA earlier said it aims to install 10 Doppler radars by 2010.

The Doppler radars are capable of generating short-term but highly accurate weather forecasts.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

6 Customs execs get 6-month suspension for smuggling

By Tetch Torres - INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines -- Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has meted a six-month preventive suspension against six officials of the Bureau of Customs allegedly involved in the smuggling of 14 luxury vehicles in February.

"The presence of their names and signatures in the documents brings forth the prima facie presumption that they deliberately participated in its execution and had admitted the veracity of the written items contained therein," Gutierrez said as she ordered Finance Secretary Margarito Teves to immediately implement the order.

The vehicles were allegedly taken out of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone without the required taxes and duties.

Further investigation by the BoC’s Task Force Anti-Smuggling-Special Operation Group showed that the Mercedes Benz S550 and S350 were still inside the SBMA while the remaining 14 were seen in Angeles City and Quezon City.

In June 15, 2007 the BoC issued a consolidated decision ordering the forfeiture of the vehicles in favor of the government. That same decision was used as basis in the filing of the complaint with the Ombudsman.

The respondents denied the allegations against them by saying that their signatures had been faked.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Signs of a bungled relocation project

SUBIC, Zambales – As the rains poured over the Redondo Peninsula in Subic, Zambales, one afternoon in August, Romeo Altares went up and down the hill, checking for signs of another landslide.

Inside their house, his wife Julieta made sure that their three children and a grandson were all within arm’s reach, in case of a disaster.

The house next door, their daughter’s, had been vacant for over two weeks, although Romeo had shoveled the debris of rocks and soil out of the yard.

“The landslides happened at around midnight. I told my daughter to leave her house and move in with us. We haven’t had a good sleep since then,” Romeo said.

With three families or 13 people taking refuge under one roof, the Altares’ three-by-five meters house is crowded.

Living in the relocation site in Sitio Agusuhin, where they and some 470 other families have been transferred, Altares has reasons to be nervous and vigilant.

Hazards

Their house sits only five meters below the right side of the peak of Agusuhin. The first school building that was built there was torn down after it collapsed two days after the opening of classes in August last year.

The second crumbled in July, with thin steel bars jutting out of walls that have cracked. Abandoned, the structure tilts downhill toward some 50 houses lining the steep, rocky road.

“Quarry is beautiful than this place. Quarry is like a paradise. It’s flat and there are no rocks. It’s safe there,” Julieta said, missing her old village that got its name from the activity of the US Navy there and which the South Korean shipbuilder, Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co., has occupied since May last year.

On another hill, two more school buildings show signs of a looming disaster. One is built below the other, like steps on a staircase, and only three meters apart. Both stand on clayish soil, slippery and soft on rainy days.

The walls show cracks and portions of the walkway are detaching from the concrete columns. If anything bad happens, the lives of 430 students are imperiled.

For the 221 high school students who come from the sitios of Nagbayuhan, Nagyantoc, Agusuhin, Nagtulong and Kinabuksan, traveling by boat for 45 minutes to get to the school is already dangerous.

“Local officials did not consult with us students when they transferred our school (from Quarry) to Agusuhin,” said Roxanne Amorin, the student council’s president.

Nightmarish

Aside from the unsafe structures, the place is nightmarish for many other reasons, according to mothers like Nida Marcial and Filda Manangan.

Water comes from a concrete, open impounding tank linked to a stream. The Inquirer has not seen any of the three elevated tanks worth P585,500 each in Hanjin’s P18-million purchase order to North Bound Hardware & General Merchandise in Castillejos, Zambales.

The health center is unfinished; so are the two toilets in the elementary school building. Teachers have given up their two sleeping quarters to accommodate more classrooms. Two chapels await completion.

Hanjin’s purchase order did not include materials for the installation of electricity, construction of roads, and drainage systems.

Unlike in Quarry where they had enough food from the farms, the residents now have to buy everything in Agusuhin. They were not given farm lots to till here. Jeepney fare is P30 for a one-way ride to town.

The people rebuilt their homes from money Hanjin paid them for damages. Most, however, used old materials and tents, scrimping their cash for harder times.

“Talaga pong sising-sisi kami (We regret it very much that we agreed to transfer),” Marcial said.

They had “no choice,” they said, because their houses in Quarry were demolished ahead of the relocation project.

The promises of Subic Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun during a meeting in April 2006 seemed empty now, Marcial and Manangan said.

The residents still remember Khonghun’s promises: “We will relocate you to a beautiful place … we will ensure your safety … the site will have power and water supplies, and a school … you’ll get individual titles).”

“He hasn’t visited us here,” Manangan said.

Neither has President Macapagal-Arroyo. The President, however, has visited Hanjin’s shipyard since the opening rites on May 26, 2006. Agusuhin is some 800 meters from the facility.

“She has not bothered to visit Agusuhin,” said former Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II, chair of the Task Force Hanjin. The task force was formed by Gov. Amor Deloso to correct the situation at the relocation.

Graft?

Has Hanjin failed to meet its social responsibility even as its $1.684-billion project was the single biggest foreign direct investment in the Philippines in 2006?

Jong Yu Pyeong, Hanjin administrative manager, declined to answer the Inquirer’s questions when reached through his mobile phone in Korea. He said he was on “vacation.”

Deloso considered Hanjin a “victim of pressures of politicians.” He said former Gov. Vicente Magsaysay took care of the negotiations for the compensation of damages to settlers, using armed men to force the people out of Agusuhin.

Reports reaching Deloso said Hanjin released P500 million for the compensation.

But Magsaysay said it was not him but the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) that had negotiated with the residents to move out of Quarry.

“I just handed the money to the people,” he said. Families whose houses were demolished were given a total P24 million, he added.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said “negotiations were done by Hanjin through [one of its consultants].”

“Hanjin just furnished us with waivers,” he said, referring to documents stating that the residents have agreed to leave the former US military reservation, which is within the Subic Bay Freeport.

As for the relocation project, Magsaysay said: “I didn’t have any role there. I just helped transfer the people.”

He said he was not privy to the P18-million purchase order by Hanjin for construction materials.

Khonghun, Deloso said, handled the P18 million for the construction of public utilities. The mayor, however, denied having a direct hand in the project, saying he only recommended the contractors when Hanjin asked him to refer qualified ones.

Deloso said two contractors admitted receiving P3 million each, while the last one got P1 million.

Losing control

How Hanjin lost control was surprising. It set the following “conditions” on its purchase order: “Work must be completed based on the approved plan and discussion of Hanjin Subic representatives” and “materials must strictly conform to the given (specifications), otherwise it will be rejected and returned without additional cost to the buyer.”

Deloso said it was Khonghun who was on top of the relocation project and thus should account for the P18 million.

“Technically, the money belongs to the [SBMA]. It will be deducted by Hanjin from its rental to [the] SBMA,” said Deloso.

Another P8.5 million for 60 people with claims over a reforestation site occupied by Hanjin is said to be missing.

In this bungled relocation project, Deloso said the problem was not how to repair or complete the structures which Hanjin would not pay for.

“Agusuhin appeared prone to landslides and we may have to find another place for the settlers there,” the governor said.

Where the next site would be and how much it would cost to develop a safe, humane relocation would be the sole burden of the provincial government, he said.

Flash Gordon to the rescue

FROM THE STANDS By Domini M. Torrevillas

The Glorietta bombing last Friday, October 19, showed us that in times of disaster and crisis, Dick Gordon of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) is someone you can rely on to always be there for you.

It was just like Gordon rushing to the scene like the MV Asuncion sinking in 1987, the earthquake in Central Colleges in Cabanatuan in 1990, and the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991.

Dick and PNRC volunteers were the first response teams to arrive at the Glorietta shortly after the blast at 1:20 p.m. Deployed were six ambulances with 20 staff and volunteers of medical and rescue teams from different PNRC chapters to provide search, rescue and medical assistance to the victims. While the law enforcement authorities had to secure and collect evidence from the carnage site, Gordon and the PNRC teams, amidst the ensuing chaos and confusion, immediately addressed the concerns of both the victims and their loved ones by coordinating information bulletins with the hospitals and funeral homes.

Ten of the injured were treated by the PNRC team on-site while Welfare Desks were installed immediately near Ground Zero and at the Makati Medical Center and Ospital ng Makati to assist those trying to locate their loved ones who might have been inside the mall at the time of the explosion. A good number of those missing or unaccounted for were successfully located by the teams.

When the rest gave up hope and called it a day that early evening, Dick Gordon returned and stayed behind to comfort relatives still waiting at the blast site for news about their missing relatives. The scene was like that of the Zambales fishermen in 2005 who were lost at sea for 19 days and given up for dead until Sen. Gordon tapped the US Navy to track via an Orion plane the whereabouts of the men to be picked up the Philippine Navy along the coast of Palawan.

At the Glorietta 4 Friday evening, Norlita Tan, looking distraught, approached the PNRC Welfare Desk to seek help in locating her husband, Renier, who had been with her inside the mall shortly before the explosion. She just had her eyeglasses repaired at an optical shop at Glorietta 4, leaving her husband to pass time by himself strolling around the area. Little did she know that that would be the last time she would see him alive.

Gordon sought clearance from law enforcement agencies and the mall management who had secured the area and were now on clearing operations before he deployed the PNRC search-and-rescue team back to the site to search for Norlita's husband.

Utilizing search cameras and an audio probe, the team found a wallet belonging to the reported missing Maureen De Leon among the debris, near where the bodies of her companions, Gee-Ann de Gracia and Carlo Niño Vigamo, were found earlier that afternoon.

Gordon inspected the wallet and found the telephone number of Gerardo De Leon, father of Maureen. On the phone, De Leon told Dick that Maureen was not home. Dick advised him to proceed to the site since Maureen was not on the list of victims taken to hospitals and funeral homes. Dick also tried to track Maureen through her employer, Tots Romualdez, who was his classmate and who also joined in the vigil for news.

At that time Norlita was waiting at the site for word about her husband, with Dick and PNRC people never leaving her side, offering comfort and encouragement in that time of uncertainty. Gerardo and his wife Mercedes also received the same kind of support and comfort while they were at the site for hours on end waiting for their daughter, Maureen, to be found. Both Norlita and the De Leons believed that Renier and Maureen were still inside the building.

Dick once again deployed the PNRC search-and-rescue team back on site this time, armed with hooligan tools, a portable chain saw, K7 circular cutters and hydraulic rescue rams, a spreader, and cutters to break through piles of concrete and steel at the pinpointed target area.

Barely an hour later, at around 2 a.m., of Saturday, October 20, the PNRC team found the lifeless body of Reinier Tan buried in debris at the foot of the escalator at the atrium of Glorietta 2. With some difficulty, Dick told Norlita that Renier had been found.

Maureen's body was found at 10:30 that evening — 33 hours after the explosion — by the joint search and rescue teams of PNRC and Makati City. Upon being informed of the discovery, Dick excused himself and returned to the blast scene, leaving his wife Kate with their friends to watch the New Minstrels show.

"Even if we can't provide relief to the family members by finding their missing relatives alive, at least we provide closure to their search. This is all part of the efforts of the Red Cross to alleviate human suffering," Dick said. "We are relentless in our search. We don't give up until we find them simply because their respective families do not have plans of giving up themselves."

Those still seeking missing relatives may contact the Social Services Group of PNRC though 5270000

Freeport consignee suspended for 3 mos.

By: Johnny R. Reblando – Journal

SUBIC Bay Freeport - The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has suspended for three months the importer of the Porsche luxury car that was smuggled out of the Subic Bay Freeport two weeks ago and froze the company’s shipments following the public outcry.

At the same time, SBMA officials formally requested Subic Customs district collector Marietta Zamoranos to inhibit herself in the investigation of the case because of her brother’s alleged involvement in the smuggling attempt.

The two measures were unanimously approved by the SBMA board of directors last Friday to protect the image of Subic as an investment site, said SBMA director Mario Garcia.

The SBMA board decided to suspend the certificate of registration of Global International (Subic) Phils. Corp. (GIPC), a company registered in the Subic Freeport, after finding that it was the consignee of the luxury vehicle.

Garcia said GIPC’s suspension could be extended indefinitely once a case is filed against it. The SBMA board denied GIPC’s request to process and release allits pending shipments, Garcia added.

The SBMA board also resolved to request the Olongapo City police to turn over the Porshe Boxster to Task Force Subic, the anti-smuggling unit which has jurisdiction over smuggling cases in the Subic Bay area.

The Olongapo City police office seized the smuggled car after it was flagged down by agents of the Land Transportation Office at a checkpoint in Barangay New Cabalan on Oct.11.

Police reports said the Porshe sports car – a black 1999 model with plate number ZHA 798 – formed a convoy with two other luxury vehicles.-- a Hummer and a Porsche Carrera which however managed to speed away.

Louie Moloa of GIPC said the luxury vehicle was supposed to be transferred to another yard. He claimed innocence on how it got out of the Freeport.

NiHAO, BHP ink deal to explore nickel in Zambales

LISTED firm NiHAO Mineral Resources International Inc. has forged an agreement last week with QNI Phils. Inc., the local subsidiary of BHP Billiton Ltd., to explore for nickel in Zambales.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, NiHAO said the memorandum of agreement covers its Botolan nickel prospect in Zambales.

NiHao's Botolan asset covers two parcels of land--both of which lie between the Botolan and Iba towns of Zambales.

Zambales, traditionally known for its chromite mines, also hosts abundant nickel laterite resources.

Nickel is very much in demand in the world market as it is a vital ingredient in steel manufacturing.

Under the agreement, NiHAO will conduct a preliminary exploration and drilling program on the property, while BHP Billiton will provide technical expertise and advice through a joint exploration management committee.

According to the disclosure, NiHAO will shoulder "all exploration expenses during this period and will be responsible for all legal and regulatory aspects covering the property."

The disclosure also stated that the MOA contains the commercial terms for the offtake agreement, at BHP's option, between NiHAO and BHP's Yabulu nickel refinery in Queensland, Australia.

BHP Billiton is the world's largest diversified resources company. Its Yabulu refinery in Queensland is one of the world's biggest nickel processing facilities.

The offtake agreement for NiHAO's nickel property, the disclosure said, "will take effect once the exploration and drilling program is concluded and will extend for a period of five years."

Under this agreement, NiHAO will deliver 500,000 wet metric tones of nickel ore annually, and will be sold based on London Metal Exchange prices.

Also, NiHAO and BHP signed on the same day a confidentiality agreement, which provides that both parties are not allowed to disclose any privileged information to third parties

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Subic Freeport exec faces extort raps

SUBIC Bay Freeport – The National Bureau of Investigation arrested a top ranking employee of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority during an entrapment Friday morning.

Lawyer Joel Curammeng, agent-in-charge of the NBI-Olongapo City district, identified the suspect as Gregorio Royol, head of Port Operation Division of the Seaport department located at Seaport Building 244, Waterfront Road, this Freeport.

The suspect was arrested by a team led by executive officer Magno Britaqnico and special investigators Agni Fontanilla, Paulo Calip and Lemuel Garcia based on the complaint of Arthur Padilla, president of Samahan ng mga Mahihirap Bantay ng Bayan, an accredited Ships Line Handler.

Padilla said Royol has been extorting money from him since 2006 by threatening to have his business closed.

Padilla claimed he had already given the suspect a total of P147,000 and $100. He said the suspect would threaten him by wielding a gun. He added the suspect’s latest demand was P155,000 and a brand new vehicle.

Clark firm prexy welcomes Mikey's call

By Raymond C. Garcia - SunStar

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Levy Laus said he welcomed the call of Pampanga second district Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo for calm and sobriety in connection with issue of the proposed interchanges for Subic- Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

"Everybody should respect Congressman Mikey's appeal because it will ultimately be good for everyone," said Laus, who is also the chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

C. Luzon media to declare police chief persona non grata?

C. Luzon media to declare police chief persona non grata?

By Marna H. Dagumboy - SunStar

CAMP OLIVAS – An official of the Camp Olivas Press Society (Cops) said Friday the group is contemplating on filing a resolution Monday declaring Police Regional Director Errol T. Pan as "persona non grata".

This came in the heels of reports that the general – who failed to attend a fellowship night with the media which he himself had scheduled last Tuesday – had indeed arrived that same night, but went straight to his quarters and slept.

Media personalities from the six provinces in Central Luzon were dismayed upon hearing the report.

As of Saturday, members of the Cops are still collating information from other sources inside the camp to verify if the police general indeed took a rest after arriving that night.

"We're wondering if he did it on purpose. There were media people waiting in front of the Officer's Club House who saw his entourage arrive. The regional director's quarters is just located at the back of the club house," Ric Sapnu of the Philippine Star said.

This was in contrast to the statement of Pan's public information officer, who told members of the media that the police general could not make it to the fellowship because he was still in Zambales.

Sapnu said many generals have been assigned to Camp Olivas but all of them were friendly, especially to media people.

Mar Supnad of Manila Bulletin said the police general had no respect for the media. "Dapat may isang salita siya ma dapat panghawakan ng isang heneral ng pulisiya. First of all, we did not ask for the said fellowship. It washim who scheduled it," he said.

Synergizing local tourism through the Subik Grand Festival

With a new spelling, Subik will be bursting with color, pageantry and excitement for three full days when the Subik! Subik! Festival unfolds from November 2 to 4.

The grand event will feature endless fun activities for all types of visitors. Originally conceptualized to formally launch the new name “Subik,” which collectively refers to all provinces under the Greater Subic Bay—the celebration will gather various festivals and events regularly held in the old Subic to drum up both local and foreign travelers’ interests on the region’s vast tourist destinations. Aside from the panoramic sceneries and plethora of historical insights, nonstop entertainment, unique shopping experiences, tempting food promotions, and adrenalin-pumping water sports also await the visitors.

Basking on a more unified stance in fortifying Central Luzon’s dominant role in revitalizing domestic tourism, the Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the local governments of Olongapo, Bataan and Zambales, will spearhead another major contribution to the region’s continued dynamism.

“Everyone is invited to join the Subik! Subik! Festival as it is bound to thrill everyone with its diverse activities. Guests not only get to explore Subik’s famed beauty, they are sure to have a wonderful time from being part of the street-style merrymaking up to the amazing display of rich cultural heritage that can only be found in Subik,” explained George Lorenzana, GSBTB chairman.

The festival’s program starts with an exhilarating 2.5-km and 5-km Fun Run competition, followed by the MOA signing by the officials of SBMA, Olongapo City, Bataan and Zambales, committing to continue the development of Subik into a major tourism destination. The event will also formally open the SUBIK! Trade Fair, which will showcase Bataan-Olongapo-Subic-Zambales (BOSZ) products and various presentations of tourism activities, products and attractions.

Visitors can get a kaleidoscope view of ultimate street celebration with the Best of Subik Parade, a lively march from Magsaysay Boulevard to Boardwalk that will feature the synchronized exhibition of the Philippine Merchant Marines, a poignant historical reenactment of the Battle of Bataan, an original Ita-Itahan (Aetas), and a parade of pageant beauties, among others. And to capture the explosive initial phase of the festival, a stunning 30-minute fireworks display at the Boardwalk is set to delight evening spectators, with the runway competition of Miss Gay Subik and band explosions.

Action-packed activities are aplenty for Subik’s sport buffs, starting off with an Open Water Swim event (1-mile and 100-meters) at White Rock Beach. TRACMA Martial Arts Exhibition at the Boardwalk, will give karate fans a rare chance to meet Trovador Ramos, the country’s martial arts icon who is the only man to beat Bruce Lee. Divers can have free training on Wreck and Reef Check Training Program at the Scuba Shack.

GSBTB is closely working with the SBMA and the NPVB as it passionately strives in broadening Subik’s revenue-generating power by attracting more inbound tourists. Besides local balikbayan, also among Subik’s ardent foreign visitors are tourists from South Korea, Taiwan, the United States and Europe.

“With DOT studies noting that 2007 is a significant year for Philippines tourism, we are positive that through our efforts in the Subik! Subik! ’07 Festival, our fellow stakeholders in the various regions will also collectively and aggressively pitch in their vital share in further elevating the country’s tourism to a higher level,” said Armand C. Arreza, SBMA Administrator.

For more information on the Subik! Subik! ’07 Festival, call (047) 252-5212 or log on to www.greatersubik.com.

Govt allows excise tax collection at free ports

THE Supreme Court nullified an Olongapo City court order suspending the collection of excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco imported through the Subic special economic zone, effectively allowing the government to collect taxes on such products imported through the free port.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales, the high court nullified the May 4, 2005 order, issued by Judge Ramon Caguioa of the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court’s Branch 74, granting the petition of the locators and importers in the Subic Bay Freeport to stop the government from imposing excise taxes on the importations of sin products via free ports.

“The petition is partly granted. The writ of certiorari to nullify and set aside the order of May 4, 2005 as well as the writ of preliminary injunction issued by Judge Caguiao on May 11, 2005 is granted. The assailed order and writ of preliminary injunction are hereby declared null and void and accordingly set aside,” the SC ruled.

The high court granted the petition filed by the government through the Department of Finance, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs and the Collector of Customs of Subic Port seeking to nullify the preliminary injunction Caguiao issued stopping the implementation of Republic Act 9334, or the law increasing excise taxes.

The court stopped the implementation of the law after alcohol and tobacco importers inside the Subic Freeport filed a suit seeking to declare certain provisions of RA 9344 unconstitutional.

In nullifying the trial court’s orders, the high court stressed that by enacting RA 9334, it expressed intention to withdraw the tax exemptions granted to the respondents on their importations of cigars, cigarettes, distilled spirits, fermented liquors, and wines.

The SC also cited that the National Internal Revenue Code requiring excises taxes on the importation of such products.

The SC also declared that tax exemptions may be modified or withdrawn since it is not considered a vested right but merely a statutory privilege.

It also held that the rights granted under the certificates of registration and tax exemption of the locators or investors are not absolute and unconditional as to constitute rights.

“The feared injurious effects of the imposition of duties, charges and taxes on imported cigars, cigarettes, distilled spirits, fermented liquors and wines on private respondents’ businesses cannot possibly outweigh the dire consequences that the non-collection of taxes, not to mention the unabated smuggling inside the SBF, would wreak on the government. Whatever damage would befall private respondents must perforce take a back seat to the pressing need to curb smuggling and raise revenues for governmental functions,” the court ruled. Rey E. Requejo - Manila Standard Today

Gunmen kill Zambales village exec

A group of gunmen shot dead 44-year-old village councilman Wednesday night in Zambales, the latest act of violence against local politicians eyeing a seat in the October 29 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Olongapo rescue team off to Singapore tilt

After bagging the first place title for the second time in a row in the First Aid Regional Olympics held in Tarlac recently, the Olongapo City Rescue Team is gearing up to represent the Philippines in a disaster simulation exercise in Singapore on October 20 to 24.

Solons ask GMA to allot P150 M for gov’t center in Central Luzon

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga -- All the 20 Central Luzon congressmen have signed a resolution asking President Arroyo to allot P150 million for the establishment of a regional government center here.

House of Representatives Resolution No. 275, introduced by Pampanga (3rd District) Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr., was co-authored by all the congressmen of seven provinces in Central Luzon. It seeks the establishment of a regional government center at an 18-hectare area in Barangay Maimpis here.

The amount of P150 million is needed to make the regional facility operational as a "one-stop shop" government center, Gonzales said.

The fund will cover expenses for infrastructure interventions, drainage and sewerage system, a commercial arcade, a pedestrian overpass and covered walk, and relocation of informal settlers, most of them victims of the 1992 Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

Many of these displaced families have squatted in the area and have to be relocated with the assistance of the government, Gonzales said.

"The operation of the regional center will ultimately contribute to the efforts to attain the President’s vision of bringing the government closer to the people," the resolution stated.

Gonzales said he is thankful to his fellow Central Luzon lawmakers for their show of unity and support for the project which, he also said, will spur development and improve public service in the region.

"It is an investment that will benefit the transacting public, send a positive signal to investors and boost the morale of our public servants," he said.

Presidential Proclamation No. 343 declares an 18-hectare government property in Barangay Maimpis here as the site of the government center and authorizes the Regional Development Council (RDC) to administer its use.

The RDC III, in a previous resolution, activated a plan for all national government agencies to relocate to the center for the benefit of the public. About half of the regional offices have so far transferred to the site.

The regional office here of the National Economic Development Authority, which chairs the regional government center management committee, has prepared a master plan for the development of the area.

Excise tax on alcohol and tobacco upheld inside Subic

By Tetch Torres - INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court upheld the government's right to collect excise tax on alcohol and tobacco products from business establishments inside the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone.

In a 25-page decision through Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, the high court ruled in favor of the petitioners Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Collector of Customs of Subic Port.

The petitioners wanted the high court to nullify the writ of preliminary injunction issued by the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 stopping the implementation of Republic Act 9334 or an Act Increasing the Excise Tax Rates Imposed on Alcohol and Tobacco Products.

They pointed that R.A. 9334 was wrongfully interpreted to mean that it has amended the provisions of R.A. 7227 or the Bases Conversion Development Act of 1992, because repeals by implication are not favored.

R.A. 7227 designates Subic Special Economic Zone as a separate customs territory. It also granted business establishments exemption from local and national taxes, including excise taxes, on their importations of general merchandise.

In lieu of paying taxes, the law said, three percent of the gross income earned by all business and enterprises within the area shall be remitted to the national government, one percent each to the local government units.

But the government maintained that tax exemptions are not presumed, and even when granted, are strictly construed against the grantee. It added that an increase in business expense is not the injury contemplated by law and the drawback mechanism established in the law clearly negates the possibility of the feared injury.

But the lower court dismissed the government's argument pointing that R.A. 9334 does not expressly mention the repeal of R.A. 7227, thus its repeal can only be an implied repeal, which is not favored.

It added that the questioned law also violated the terms and conditions of the respondents' contracts with SBMA, embodied in their certificates of Registration and Exemption in contravention of the constitutional guarantee against the impairment of contractual obligations.

However, the high court said the enactment of RA 9344 shows the intent of withdrawing respondent's tax exemption privileges.

The high court added that the law clearly provides that Section 131 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) is amended by R.A. 9334, which provides that excise taxes shall be applied on the importation of said products.

The high court also pointed that the rights included in the certificates of registration and tax exemption of the respondents are not absolute and unconditional as to constitute rights in esse (to be).

"The feared injurious effects of the imposition of duties, charges and taxes on imported cigars, cigarettes, distilled spirits, fermented liquors and wines on private respondents' businesses cannot possibly outweigh the dire consequences that the non-collection of taxes, not to mention the unabated smuggling inside the SBF, would wreak on the government. Whatever damage would befall private respondents must perforce take a back seat to the pressing need to curb smuggling and raise revenues for governmental functions," the high court said.

"Bagumbayan is not a place or a name. It is character, attitude, values and principle. It is a solution to the ills of
society
and a vision of a great
country."
"What this country needs is not a change OF men but a change IN men" Dick Gordon
Send email and attach photos/images to:
olongapo.subic.post@gmail.comfor posting to Olongapo-SubicBayNews

This is a joint private blog of volunteers from Subic Bay.
It is being maintained primarily to collate articles that may be of importance to decision making related to the future of
Subic Bay and as a source of
reference material to construct the history of Subic Bay.
The articles herein posted remains the sole property of original authors and publications which has full credits to the
articles.
Disclaimer: Readers should conduct their own research and due diligence before using any article herein posted for whatever
intended purpose it may be. This private web log will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by a reader's reliance on
information obtained from volunteers of this private blog.
www.subicbay.ph, http://olongapo-subic.com, http://sangunian.com, http://olongapo-ph.com, http://oictv.com,
http://brgy-ph.com, http://subicbay-news.com, http://batanggapo.com
16 January 2012